Martin was sure that everyone would admire him that evening.
The day before, he had been praised at work for submitting a report on time, and ever since, he seemed to have grown half a meter taller. He walked around the house with the expression of a ruler of the world, spoke in a commanding tone, and got annoyed if dinner was even a few minutes late.
— Sophie, the shirts need to be ironed more carefully. I have a different status now — he admonished.
I smiled. There’s no point arguing with a man drunk on his own importance. It’s better to act.
Especially since I had a reason.
A month earlier it had been my birthday. Martin forgot it. He went with his mother, Klara, to pick curtains. No flowers. No gift. Not even a simple “happy birthday.”
— You didn’t have a big party anyway — he shrugged. — So why bother with wishes?
I said nothing at the time. But I drew my conclusions.
We celebrated his forty-third birthday at home. At the table — family, friends, colleagues. Martin sat at the head of the table, while Klara critically judged the food.
— The meat is a bit tough — she noted. — Martin is under stress now, building a serious reputation.
Martin tapped his glass:
— Sophie, bring a different sauce. And where are the olives?
I smiled. Everything was going according to plan.
When it came time for gifts, he was already beaming. Envelopes, boxes, wishes. And finally — my gift. A large, elegant box with a ribbon.
— Surely the watches I mentioned — he said with satisfaction. — Give it here.
— First, say a few words to the guests — I asked calmly. — Since you’re the center of attention today.
He stood up, straightened his jacket, and began to speak.
— Friends, you know the path I’ve taken. Everything I have today is the result of my work and discipline. At work, I am respected; management entrusts me with important projects. I always achieve my goals. I’m used to being a leader — at home and at work.
The guests glanced at each other.
— I work a lot, support my family, make decisions. And I believe I deserve respect.
He sat down with a satisfied look.
— Beautiful speech — I nodded. — Open it.
He lifted the lid.
Inside lay a new professional drill and a receipt from the hardware store.
— What is this?! — he went pale.
— A gift, darling. You yourself said that Mom needed her shelves adjusted. I’m a thoughtful wife. I take care of the family.
A silence fell at the table.
— You’re humiliating me! — he exploded.
— No — I answered calmly. — I’m just restoring respect where it has long been missing.
A month ago, you showed that my feelings meant nothing. Today, I showed that won’t happen anymore.
And by the way — the apartment is mine. When the guests leave, you can pack your things. Don’t forget the drill. It has a warranty.
No one backed him. Neither friends nor colleagues. His sense of importance popped like a balloon.
An hour later the guests left. Forty minutes later, he left with his mother.
The apartment became quiet and light.
And I tell every woman: don’t get used to a lack of respect. If someone allows themselves to trample your feelings — they will do it again and again.
Sometimes the best gift for a man is the boundary you finally set.
